Measure M is a general obligation (GO) bond measure on the November 5, 2024, Presidential Election ballot. If approved by 55% of ballots cast, Measure M will authorize $315 million of bonds to make renovations to improve schools and classrooms throughout the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. In addition, Measure M will allow the district to qualify for state matching funds.

• Renovating classrooms to expand career and technical education programs • Developing labs for technology, robotics, coding and construction courses • Installing additional fencing and point-of-entry access systems • Creating greater accessibility to classrooms, restrooms, walkways and playgrounds in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) • Repairing or replacing leaky roofs, pipes and plumbing systems • Upgrading aging electrical wiring and systems • Upgrading technology infrastructure, including classroom wireless internet networks • Upgrading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems • Replacing deteriorating portable classrooms and renovating aging classrooms • Updating play structures, playgrounds and playfields • Upgrading school security and emergency communications systems • Making the district more competitive in attracting and retaining teachers and staff by constructing teacher/staff housing, allowing them to live in the community they work in

Measure M ‘s estimated average annual tax rate is less than $60 per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Assessed valuation should not be confused with market value. The assessed valuation is the value placed on property by Santa Cruz or Monterey County and is typically lower than market value.

Measure M ensures that there will be full public disclosure of all bond fund spending. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will review and report on all bond fund expenditures, and a third-party auditor must audit all bond fund expenditures. Measure M includes a specific list of projects on which bond funds may be spent. Laws prohibit bond funds from being used for employees' salaries, pensions or benefits. Measure M bond funds must be spent on Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s projects and cannot be taken by the state.

California school districts commonly use GO bonds to fund improvement projects, such as constructing and renovating classrooms. Similar to a home loan, GO bonds are repaid over time. Funds to repay the bonds come from a tax on all taxable property—residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural—located within the district.

Because there is a lack of available rental housing in Pajaro Valley, this measure provides a funding source to construct rental housing for Pajaro Valley Unified School District teachers and staff. Passage of measure M will allow teachers and staff to live in and be part of Pajaro Valley’s community, and will also give the district a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining teachers and staff.

All registered voters in California will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. If you need to register to vote, you can register online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. Once you complete your ballot, sign your ballot envelope, and simply drop your ballot in the mail—postage is prepaid—by November 5, 2024. If you need additional assistance or would like to drop off your ballot in person at a Vote Center/ Polling Place or Ballot Drop Box, please visit your county website at votescount.us or montereycountyelections.us/home for more information.